This course examines the U.S. federal tax system as it relates to property transactions of business owners and shareholders. Topics include cost recovery, such as depreciation, amortization, and depletion; calculation of realized versus recognized gains and losses; evaluation of the potential tax effects of nontaxable exchanges; and the combining, or netting, gains and losses that are different in nature. Assignments facilitate self-discovery of knowledge and development of a variety of professional skills.

In this module, you will learn about unique property transactions where gains and/or losses are deferred. First, we’ll discuss circumstances where certain losses on the disposal of property are not allowed to be recognized. Next, we’ll discover what wash sales are and the dates that determine whether or not the losses can be recognized. Next, we’ll discuss a type of non-taxable exchange called “like-kind exchange,” which allows properties to be exchanged with no tax recognition, and the rules governing its tax deferred status. Next, we’ll discuss specific circumstances where part of the non-taxable transaction actually becomes taxable due to receipt of non-like-kind property, called boot. Last, we’ll talk about what basis the newly exchanged property should have, and what the holding period should be.